THECLOUTAL LIBRARY JAN 4 1913 ANDOVER 68620 DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, to wit: District Clerk's Office. BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the third day of May, A. D. 1824, in the Forty Eighth Year of the Independence of the United States of America, Dorr & Howland, of the said District, have deposited in this Office the Title of a Book the Right whereof they claim as Proprietors in the Words following, to wit: Short Missionary Discourses, or Monthly Concert Lectures. By Enoch Pond A. M. Pastor of the Church in Ward, (Mass.) In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, intitled, " An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies, during the Times therein mentioned;" and also to an Act intitled, "An act supplementary to an Act, intitled, An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the Authors and Proprietors of such Copies during the times therein mentioned; and extending the Benefits thereof to the Arts of Designing, Engraving and Etching Historical, and other Prints." JNO. W. DAVIS. S Clerk of the District of Massachusetts. ADVERTISEMENT. MOST of the following Discourses were delivered, by the Author, to that little band of Christian friends, who usually assemble with him at the Monthly Concert of Prayer. A hope that they might contribute, at least under particular circumstances to render this important season more interesting, and profitable, has been a leading inducement with him in favor of their publication. The Monthly Concert, it is likely, is observed in many places, where the presence and assistance of Clergymen cannot be obtained; and when Clergymen are present (if the experience of my Ministerial brethren accords with my own) they may not always find it easy to diversify the meeting, by communicating interesting intelligence, or appropriate religious instruction. Besides, there are numerous meetings of females for prayer and labor, in respect to the great concern of Missions, where the attendance of a Minister is not customary or desirable. On occasions such as these, it is hoped these Discourses may, not without profit, be read; or if not read, that they may suggest such courses A* C of thought, as it will be proper and important to pursue. And if they shall be found to have done any thing, towards opening that fund of instruction and encouragement relative to the Missionary work, which the Scriptures contain, and which is at present but just beginning to be understood and felt; they will not be undeserving the more private study and attention of those who love the cause of the Redeemer. In the preparation of these Discourses, it has been my principal endeavour to speak plainly and intelligibly to all classes of readers. With this view, I have forborne, almost entirely, criticisms upon the Scriptures, and have preferred to quote and apply them, in the commonly received translation and sense. In discussing many of the subjects in the ensuing volume, I have found my path almost an untravelled one, and have been able to derive very little assistance from the labors of others. Wherein I have mistaken the truth, I shall thankfully receive the suggestions or corrections of my Christian friends. The subject of Missions obviously is a great one; the Scriptures seem to me to be full of it; what I have here done, towards illustrating and enforcing it, is but a little compared with what I think might be done; but whether I shall be ever able to pursue it farther, time and Providence only can disclose. Whatever may be the effects of this publication, I shall have comfort in the consciousness that it was intended for good. Placed in circumstances where I have little to bestow in religious charity, it will be to me a source of unfeigned satisfaction, if I may be able, by my pen, to contribute something, towards the advancement and ultimate triumph of the Redeemer's kingdom. As I have not been able to inspect the press at all, any errors in printing I hope will be excused. I conclude by committing my labors to God, whose cause and kingdom they are intended to subserve, praying that the Holy Spirit may deign to accompany them, and make them an instrument of good. WARD, MAY 13, 1824. |